The Pixel 9 is a fantastic phone, and its powerful hardware begs to be used in more ways than one. Many users dream of turning their Pixel 9 into a desktop-like experience by connecting it to an external monitor. But how far can you actually go, and can you use your Pixel 9's screen as a touchpad for that external display? And what about the exciting world of smart glasses like XReal and Rokid, and the broader possibilities of Google XR? Let's dive in.
The Dream: Pixel 9 as a Desktop Replacement (and Beyond!)
Imagine connecting your Pixel 9 to a larger monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and suddenly having a productive workstation in your pocket. This is the allure of desktop mode on phones. But now, picture this: you're wearing sleek smart glasses like XReal or Rokid, and your Pixel 9 is powering a personal, immersive display right in front of your eyes. This is the next level of mobile computing! This vision ties into the larger landscape of Google XR (Extended Reality), which encompasses augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). While some phones, like Samsung devices with DeX, offer a seamless desktop experience on traditional monitors, the Pixel 9's capabilities in this area, especially with smart glasses and the potential of Google XR, are a bit different.
What the Pixel 9 *Can* Do:
- Mirroring: You can easily mirror your Pixel 9's screen to an external display, including smart glasses, using a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a compatible wireless casting solution. This is perfect for sharing content, watching videos, or even gaming on a larger virtual screen.
- Casting: Some apps support casting, allowing you to send their content to an external display, including your smart glasses, while still using your phone for other tasks. This is incredibly useful for multitasking and productivity.
- Driving Smart Glasses: The Pixel 9, with its USB-C port, can directly power and drive compatible smart glasses like XReal and Rokid. This opens up exciting possibilities for augmented reality experiences and portable, private displays.
The Challenge: True Desktop Mode and Touchpad Functionality (and Smart Glass Interactions)
The biggest hurdle with traditional external monitors is using your Pixel 9's screen as a touchpad or mouse *specifically* for the external display. Unfortunately, Android doesn't natively support this. When you connect an external display to your Pixel 9, it's treated as an extension or mirror of your phone's screen, not as a separate input target. There's no built-in way to say, "Hey, treat my phone's screen as the mouse for that other screen."
With smart glasses, the challenge shifts slightly. While the Pixel 9 can drive the display, integrating touch input from the phone to control elements *within* the smart glass display is not a standard Android feature. This is where the future of Google XR and its potential integration with smart glasses becomes interesting.
Why Isn't It Easier?
Android's architecture and security model play a role here. To prevent apps from hijacking input events and controlling other displays without permission, Android restricts access to these low-level functions. This makes it difficult for a regular app to achieve the kind of touchpad functionality we're looking for, both with traditional monitors and within the smart glass interface.
Samsung DeX: A Look at What's Possible (But Not on Pixel)
Samsung DeX is a prime example of a phone-based desktop mode done well. However, DeX is deeply integrated into Samsung's Android builds. It's not just an app; it's a fundamental part of their operating system. This deep integration gives DeX access to system-level functions and APIs that are not available to regular apps on other phones, including Pixel 9 devices.
The Current Reality for Pixel 9 Users:
For now, a true touchpad experience for the external display on a Pixel 9 is not readily available through standard software solutions. While mirroring and casting offer some extended display functionality, the dream of using the phone's screen as a dedicated mouse remains elusive. The same applies to seamless touch control within the smart glass display itself.
Possible Future Developments?
Google might add more advanced display features to Android in the future. Keep an eye out for updates and new Android versions, as this area is constantly evolving. The increasing popularity of smart glasses and the development of Google XR might push Google to develop better integration with these devices, potentially including more robust input methods.
What About Third-Party Apps?
While there might be some third-party apps that offer limited multi-window or external display management, they are unlikely to provide the specific touchpad or smart glass control functionality you're looking for due to the Android system limitations mentioned earlier.
Use Case Scenarios with Smart Glasses and Google XR:
- Mobile Productivity: Imagine wearing your Rokid glasses and having a large virtual screen for working on documents, spreadsheets, or coding, all powered by your Pixel 9.
- Immersive Entertainment: Enjoy movies or games on a personal, cinematic display projected by your XReal glasses, with your Pixel 9 acting as the media player.
- Augmented Reality Applications: Explore AR apps and experiences that overlay digital information onto the real world, using your smart glasses as the display and your Pixel 9 as the processing power. This is where Google XR's potential shines, enabling developers to create innovative AR experiences.
- Hands-Free Navigation: Use your smart glasses for turn-by-turn navigation while keeping your phone in your pocket, with directions projected directly into your field of view.
We Want to Hear From You!
What are your experiences with using your Pixel 9 with external displays, especially smart glasses? Are you looking for this touchpad functionality or better smart glass integration, perhaps leveraging the capabilities of Google XR? Let us know in the comments below! We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Maybe together we can find a workaround or inspire future development!
